Overview

There are two dissertation pathways; XME-4100 Applied Research project, and XME-4103 Research Design project. If you are a practitioner currently working in education, this Applied Research project may be your preferred option. If you are not currently working in education, please also see the information on XME-4103.

For students not currently working in education who are interested in conducting an Applied Research project, a voluntary research internship option may also be available. This would involve working with a supervisor who is already running a research project; you would work closely with the supervisor to assist with data collection and analysis. Each year, these opportunities will be advertised to all students on the course, and you will have the opportunity to apply. Selection of students for the internship opportunities will occur following individual interviews.

Following on from your research methods module (XME-4401 or XME-4001), you will be allocated to a supervisor who will support you throughout your dissertation period. You will meet regularly with your supervisor, and will agree a timeline for submissions of draft work for feedback.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -52% / 55% / 58% ( Pass). Adequate evidence of reading and planning. Limited evidence of critical reflection, understanding of key concepts and application of skills. A satisfactory description of research methods and analysis of results: conclusions are drawn from the results. An outline of ethical considerations provided. Sound overall structure and presentation.

-good -62% / 65% / 68% (Merit) Showing insight and good evidence of critical reflection. Sustained and relevant chain of argument, good illustration, a sound basis of evidence and written with clarity.

-excellent -74% / 80% / 87% / 95% ( Distinction). Outstanding in power of analysis, argument, originality, range of information, organisation, and stylistic quality.

Learning Outcomes

• Conduct a contemporary, detailed literature review at Master level to demonstrate a critical and balanced judgement when reviewing research papers.

• Conduct a piece of quantitative and/or qualitative research, to address (a) relevant research question(s).

• Consider ethical issues related to their research, understand the procedures needed to demonstrate compliance with School, College, University and workplace ethical requirements.

• Demonstrate an ability to conduct and analyse the results of qualitative and/or quantitative data in appropriate detail.

• Demonstrate an understanding of research methodology, and be able to justify the research method(s) chosen to address the research question(s).

• Demonstrate expert knowledge in relation to the chosen area of research.

• Describe how the research was conducted, in appropriate detail.

• Draw appropriate conclusions from their findings, considering limitations of the research methods and data.

• Link their findings to the research questions, to key policies, developments in their chosen research area and to the research literature.